He was born July 22, 1936, in Sandusky, and was a 1954 graduate of Margaretta High School, where he played basketball.

He lived in Amherst for many years while working for Ohio Edison for 36 years as a Relay Technician in the Lake Avenue Division. He proudly served in Ohio National Guard. He and his wife Lois enjoyed many years wintering in Lakeland, FL.

He loved genealogy, electronics, camping, being a 4-H advisor with Delta WYE, was a member of the Future Farmers of America, where he was named State Farmer, and being a private pilot for 35 years.

He was life member of the American Legion, Amvets, and American Radio Relay League, where he was involved with amateur radio for over 50 years, going by the call signs WA8VOE and W8TRT. He was also a member of the Sandusky Radio Experimental League, Firelands Pioneer Power Association, and Erie County and Castalia Area Historical Societies.

Tom is survived by his wife, the former Lois Chill, to whom he was married for 60 years; son David T. (Susan) Troike of S. Amherst; son-in-law Rich Shiltz of S. Amherst; grandson Richard T. (Jesicca) Shiltz; granddaughter Rene E. Reilly; great grandsons Carson and Sebastian; sister Diane Jean Carpenter of N. Ridgeville; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Luther and Bertha (Nickle) Troike; daughter Patricia Shiltz; and brother Donald Troike.

Friends may call from 5-8 pm Friday, June 15, 2018, in the Ransom Funeral and Cremation Service, 610 S. Washington St., Castalia. Funeral services will be held at 10 am Saturday, June 16, in Trinity Lutheran Church, 502 Bardshar Road, Sandusky. The Rev. Philip Gardner will officiate and burial will be in Castalia Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Back to the Wild, Box 423, Castalia, OH 44824; Castalia Historical Society, Box 392, Castalia, OH 44824; or to the Class of 1954.

Gifts of sympathy and online condolences may be shared with the family at: www.ransomfuneralhome.com